Once upon a time (1100’s), there was a town founded by Duke Berchtold that fell under the protection of the Count of Savoy, that was burned, rebuilt (in stone) and proclaimed its loyalty to the towns of Berne and Fribourg. This town was called Murten (Morat in French). It was so cute that in 1476, Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy wanted it. In complete honesty, I think he wanted it for reasons other than its cuteness. Nevertheless, it is pretty cute.
Once upon a time (1100’s), there was a town founded by Duke Berchtold that fell under the protection of the Count of Savoy, that was burned, rebuilt (in stone) and proclaimed its loyalty to the towns of Berne and Fribourg. This town was called Murten. It was so cute that in 1476, Charles the Bold, Duke of Burgundy wanted it. In complete honesty, I think he wanted it for reasons other than its cuteness. Nevertheless, it is pretty cute.
Charles the Bold (he was called bold for a reason) besieged the town, but was defeated by the Swiss in 1484. Swiss towns had previously made pacts to protect each other. When Charles the Bold came, it was time for them to put their money where their mouth was. Being Swiss, they (a) took money rather seriously and (b) kept their promise.* The other towns came to Murten’s aid and they kicked Charles the Bold’s heiney.** Et voila, modern Switzerland was born.
From 1484 on, and for 300 years, Murten is ruled by the two states, Berne and Fribourg.
Cute litte Murten was not left to its happy ending quite yet, the French invaded the town in 1798. Napoleon gave the town to Fribourg (sorry Berne). Ultimately, our hero lived happily and cutely ever after (more or less). It doesn’t hurt that it is on a gorgeous lake and has preserved its history (castle, ring wall and streets).
*At least that’s how the story goes.
**The Swiss became sought-after mercenaries and were the guns you wanted to hire for centuries. In fact, the Swiss Guard, modern-day Swiss mercenaries, protect the pope.
schwingeninswitzerland 